April 7, 2006 Highlights

1.  New Minister of Education

The big news this week was, of course, the resignation of Gerard Kennedy from Cabinet on April 5 and the resulting minor shuffle that saw Sandra Pupatello appointed to replace Mr. Kennedy, Madeleine Meilleur moved from the Culture portfolio to Community and Social Services, and Caroline Di Cocco promoted to Culture.  Ms. Pupatello keeps her responsibility for women’s issues.

Mr. Kennedy remains MPP for Parkdale-High-Park.  Once he decides to resign to devote all of his energies to his bid for the federal Liberal leadership, a byelection must be called within six months.

The new Minister of Education assumes her portfolio at a critical juncture.  Bill 78, the Education Statute Amendment Act (Student Performance), is well along the legislative process and it contains a number of controversial policies.  The financial challenges experienced by school boards also threaten the “peace and stability” won in the education sector.

To read the Liberal Party biography of Sandra Pupatello, click on this website link: www.ontarioliberal.ca/35099.htm

2.  Bill 78 Debated

Bill 78, the Education Statute Amendment Act (Student Performance), was debated in the Legislature as part of the Second Reading debate on April 3 and April 5 this week.  When the debate is concluded next week, it will likely be referred to a legislative committee for further input.

The bill includes a number of provisions that ETFO supports, but there are others for which there is serious concern.

3.  PC MPP Claims Teacher Unions Will Control College

On April 4, PC MPP Frank Klees raised concerns about Bill 78’s proposal to increase the number of elected members on the governing council of the Ontario College of Teachers by six.  He asked then Education Minister Gerard Kennedy:  “Can you tell the House, then, why you insist through Bill 78 to hand over control of the governing council of the Ontario College of Teachers to the very same unions whose mandate it is to defend its members against public charges?”

Mr. Kennedy replied: 

“The college of teachers has one purpose: to look after the public interest. Under the previous government that the member opposite was a part of, there was a fight going on in the college of teachers. The reforms we're bringing in will make it a neutral body that looks after the public interest. In fact, it will prohibit anyone who serves full-time, either for the Ministry of Education or for a teacher federation, from serving on the college of teachers, whereas there were eight, 10 and 15 members under this member opposite's government.”

Neither the minister nor Mr. Klees mentioned, however, Bill 78’s proposal for establishing a Public Interest Committee appointed by the government. This provision could potentially undo the improvement achieved by the increased number of elected members.  Bill 78 does not necessarily fulfill the Liberal commitment to create a truly self-governing college.

4.  School Board Fundraises to Support Basic Education Programs

On April 4 NDP Education Critic Rosario Marchese called attention to the Ottawa-Carleton DSB’s fundraising activities to support the arts, outdoor education, and literacy and numeracy projects.

In responding, Mr. Kennedy maintained the government had increased funding by 20% and was improving support for the arts and other programs: 

“What it means is that this year we have 600 specialist teachers bringing arts education back into the schools across the province. We have initiatives, not just by our ministry but by the Ministry of Culture and by my colleague the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Culture, bringing in new programs, helping to make sure that the arts have come back."

“We have provided resources on a range of programs that are enriching education. We say that every student should have access to the arts and education. We have daily physical activity and have expanded phys ed back in our schools for the first time in years. It didn't happen under the previous government or the one before that…”

In response to a supplementary question, Mr. Kennedy insisted the school board was raising funds for “enhancements” not  “essentials.”

5.  Report Released on Finances of Dufferin-Peel Catholic DSB

Former Education Minister Gerard Kennedy appointed two investigators in February to review the finances of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic DSB because of the board’s announced $15 million deficit.

The government released the investigators’ report on April 4.  Based on the report, Mr. Kennedy indicated the actual deficit was between $5 million and $11 million and could be reduced by cutting “overspending” in administration.  The report’s recommendations include:

• Continuing a hiring freeze except for regular classroom teachers;
• Reducing the adult education budget;
• Deferring maintenance projects;
• Reducing the supply teaching budget;
• Reducing the complement of vice-principals;
• Reducing the cost of the Reading Recovery program;
• Reducing the expenditures on school secretaries and supplies; and
• Moving to a full-day/alternate day schedule for JK and SK students to same on noon-hour transportation costs

On April 5 and April 6, newly appointed Education Minister Sandra Pupatello faced Opposition questions calling on the government to justify the recommended cuts to school board programs.  On April 5, in response to a question from NDP Leader Howard Hampton, Ms. Pupatello replied: 

“This particular school board, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic board, has received a 19% increase in funding since we became the government. That school board has seen a 3% increase in enrolment. It has not been an issue of money. I look forward to working with this board so that we can collectively determine what will be in the best interests of these students.”

On April 6, NDP Education Critic Rosario Marchese indicated in a question on the issue that one of the investigators had stated: 

"We find that the board was right when it said that there are funding inadequacies in the areas of salaries and transportation."

In response, the minister repeated she would be working with the particular board to address the issues in the report.